Best Moving Companies in California of 2024

How Do We Select these Companies?

We have put in a lot of effort to do the work and gather some steps that we take to find the Moving Companies in California. Here's how we do it:

1. Research: We begin our search by recoiling all moving companies currently listed in California on My Good Movers.
2. Criteria Establishment: We set specific criteria to evaluate each mover. These factors arise mainly from customer satisfaction ratings, services, pricing transparency, insurance coverage and professionalism.
3. Verification: After the survey, we verify each company by checking its registration licenses and insurance with FMCSA. Accreditations – through agencies like AMSA as well.
4. Comparison and Evaluation: Then we compare the companies falling in our eligibility criteria before finalizing.
5. Final Selection: According to our evaluation we finalize the most appropriate moving companies for you that are well versed in making your move as smooth as a breeze.

When Is the Best Time to Move?

In terms of which is the best time to move in California (also from a logistical point of view – hiring the services of movers can be quite expensive), there are several issues that come into play.

Seasonal Demand for Movers:

1. Peak Season (Late Spring to Early Fall): Generally falls from late spring through early fall (May to September), is the moving season, which is considered as peak cross-country-moving-season.

   These are high demand months for movers, so it means higher pricing and less availability.

   Moving companies can fill up even faster during peak moving season, so if you know that this is when you will need to move, get in touch with local movers once you have your moving dates.

2. Off-Season (Late Fall to Early Spring): Since most people tend to relocate during the summer and between September and November, scheduling a move from late fall until early spring (except for holidays) can give lower moving estimates and more moving options.

   Moving companies are often more willing to accept moves during this period for the same reason.

Cost Considerations:

1. Peak Season: Peak season generally sees higher costs for moving, as the increased demand can drive up prices. Some movers charge more, especially for weekend and end-of-month moves.Moreover, if you plan to move cross country or off peak times, truck demands are high; so the costs of moving vans/hotels can get pricier.
2. Off-Season: Moving rates decreases during the off season. During times when business is slow, many moving companies offer incentives to draw in customers.

Weather Conditions:

Think about weather that will occur during your moving time. California is typically warm but some areas do experience intense seasons of the opposite spectrum like extreme cold or snow.

If you are moving from a coastal or beachside climate, moving during the cooler months (.. fall or Winter) would be more comfortable and safer.

California’s Moving Checklist

Moving to California? The moving checklist has been laid out in a manner which can serve as your step by step guide to prepare:

3 Months Before Moving

1. Search Neighborhoods: Browse the best places to live in California based on lifestyle and needs.
2. Budget: Calculate the cost of living in California as well as moving costs so that you are able to set a budget for your move.
3. Job Search: Begin your search for job opportunities in California if you plan to work in the state.

2 Months Before Moving

1. Initiate Housing Search: Start actively searching for a new place to live in the neighborhood you picked. If you are renting, let your landlord know you will be leaving at a certain date.
2. School Enrolment: If you have children, make sure to contact the schools in your new area to find out what they require for enrolments.

1 Month Before Moving

1. Healthcare Transition: Transfer Medical Records to a New California Healthcare Provider
2. Dealing with All the Utilities: Make sure that gas, electricity, water and internet are up an running before you move in.
3. Forward your New Address: Update address through post office, to banks, subscriptions and contacts relevant.
4. Pack: As soon as you know your move date start packing some of the items which are non-essential and label the boxes accordingly so it’s easier to settle-in when moving them.

2 Weeks Before Moving

1. Complete Housing: Finalize your purchase or sign the lease for you new home.
2. Hire Movers or Rent a Truck: Book the moving company or truck you need to get moved on your move day.
3. Vehicle and License: Search, study the procedure for instate car license transfer & apply for a driver's license in California.

1 Week Before Moving

1. Confirm moving plans: Confirm with movers or truck rental.
2. Pack Vital: essential things and precious jewellery should be packed separately for easy access during the move.
3. Complete Packing and Labelling: Finish packing all personal items.

Moving Day

1. Verify Current Home: Take a last look at your existing home to ensure all is in order.
2. Load and unload: Whether you hire movers or do it yourself.

After Moving

1. Unpack: You can also use this time to Unpack and Settle In. Unpack essentials first, then slowly unpack all the other boxes.
2. Vehicle Registration and License: Get your car registered and a California driver’s license.
3. Community Exploration: Discover your new community, its services and facilities. Relax and Discover Your New Home

How To Avoid Moving Scams in California

There is no way around it: Being scammed when you are moving to somewhere entirely new.

Knowledge is half the battle and by knowing what common scams consist of and what you can be doing proactively, we can educate ourselves to become smarter victims to these tricks.

The following are some of the most reliable ways to protect yourself from scams:

1. Research Moving Companies: Search for moving companies on My Good Movers to check reviews and ratings. If you're going to get from a moving company check they are licensed and insured
2. Collect Quotes: Ask quotes from at least 3 Moving Companies. In that case, be especially leery of quotes so low as to appear out of line with the rest of the pack.
3. Verify Credentials: Make certain the moving company is licensed with either the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for intrastate moves that only remain in California or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for interstate moves.
4. Steer clear of Big Deposits: Trustworthy movers do not normally request huge ahead of time down payments. Beware of companies that ask for huge payments upfront.
5. Written Agreement: Instead of providing a basic written agreement, ask for an actual hard-copy contract with the moving company's name, specifics on services provided, pick-up and delivery dates, and price quotes.
6. Warning Signs: Look out for red flags like no logo on their trucks, ordinary names such as tree service or landscape to hide true identity, no written estimate.
7. Check Address And Contact Information: Make sure the movers have a physical location and valid contact address.